The Teams: What They Have, What They Need

April 26, 2008|CHARLES BRICKER

AFC EAST

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

2007 finish: 18-1 (1st)

Coach: Bill Belichick

Top picks: 1 (7), 2 (62), 3 (69, 94)

Needs: OLB, ILB, CB

Profile: Even with QB Tom Brady at the throttle, it's difficult to see them as devastating as 2007. The secondary needs rebuilding and there is the emotional letdown of the Super Bowl. They're in strong draft position, and WR Randy Moss is ready for another 20-TD season.

BUFFALO BILLS

2007 finish: 7-9 (2nd)

Coach: Dick Jauron

Top picks: 1 (11), 2 (41), 3 (72)

Needs: WR, CB, TE.

Profile: J.P. Losman is out and Trent Edwards is in at quarterback. At some point, they have to stabilize. While they have Lee Evans to run downfield, they don't have a taller, possession-oriented wide receiver. Special teams was hit hard in free agency, and they've got to find new personnel there.

NEW YORK JETS

2007 finish: 4-12 (3rd)

Coach: Eric Mangini

Top picks: 1 (6), 2 (36)

Needs: QB, WR, CB.

Profile: A tremendous disappointment in 2007, calling into question Mangini's capabilities and the front office's draft judgment. Despite occasional success, Kellen Clemens did not establish himself as an incumbent quarterback. The offensive line should be better after free agency.

MIAMI DOLPHINS

2007 finish: 1-15 (4th)

Coach: Tony Sparano

Top picks: 1 (1), 2 (32, 57), 3 (64)

Needs: QB, T, G

Profile: Who's the coach, Sparano or Bill Parcells? It will be an ongoing question. This turnaround won't be done in one or two years. Everything starts at quarterback, and it's probably John Beck for now. The defense continues without MLB Zach Thomas and DE Jason Taylor is in question. RB Ronnie Brown returns from injured reserve, but where are the receivers to back off the linebackers?

AFC NORTH

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

2007 finish: 10-7 (1st)

Coach: Mike Tomlin

Top picks: 1 (23), 2 (53), 3 (88)

Needs: G, WR, T

Profile: They seldom fail to draft a linebacker, so that will be on the list. But the No. 1 priority is rebuilding the offensive line. So much of their offense is invested in RB Willie Parker. Even with losing LB Clark Haggans, this defense is in splendid position to have another remarkable season.

CLEVELAND BROWNS

2007 finish: 10-6 (2nd)

Coach: Romeo Crennel

Top picks: No pick until 4th round

Needs: DE, OLB, CB

Profile: If they find the defense, they're on the brink of something very good. QB Derek Anderson doesn't look like a one-season wonder, and if he cranks it up more, they've got a significant trade chip in backup Brady Quinn. They've sealed off the middle on defense. Now they need pass rush.

CINCINNATI BENGALS

2007 finish: 7-9 (3rd)

Coach: Marvin Lewis

Top picks: 1 (9), 2 (46), 3 (77, 97)

Needs: DE, DT, WR

Profile: Are they preparing for life beyond Chad Johnson? They're going to need more wideout help for QB Carson Palmer, but they must replace DE Justin Smith and make other defensive improvements. Lewis is one of those coaches on the bubble before the season begins.

BALTIMORE RAVENS

2007 finish: 5-11 (4th)

Coach: John Harbaugh

Top picks: 1 (8), 2 (38), 3 (99)

Needs: CB, T, WR.

Profile: The offensive collapse led to the firing of coach Brian Billick, and so they restart with a new coaching staff and a new training regimen. They've got a number of older players. This looks like a minimum two-year rebuilding project, and they still don't have a reliable quarterback. T Jon Ogden could retire.

AFC SOUTH

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

2007 finish: 13-4 (1st)

Coach: Tony Dungy

Top picks: 2 (59), 3 (93)

Needs: G, DE, WR

Profile: WR Marvin Harrison will be one of the most watched players early on. He's been an Indy icon, but this is the NFL, and if it's time to cut him loose after his injury layoff, they will. They need a bigger year from former top draft pick WR Anthony Gonzalez. QB Peyton Manning tries to get back to another Super Bowl.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

2007 finish: 12-6 (2nd)

Coach: Jack Del Rio

Top picks: 1 (26), 2 (58), 3 (72, 89)

Needs: DT, DE, S

Profile: QB David Garrard flopped in the playoffs, but he'll grow. Meanwhile, they lost WR Ernest Wilford and added a couple of suspect receivers. The defense wasn't as good as its reputation and needs to be firmed up against the pass. RBs Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew continue the rushing assault.

TENNESSEE TITANS

2007 finish: 10-7 (3rd)

Coach: Jeff Fisher

Top picks: 1 (24), 2 (54), 3 (85)

Needs: WR, DT, RB

Profile: They were among the NFL's leading overachievers in 2007, but they can't count on that again. They need a passing game and also for QB Vince Young to show he can sit in the pocket and connect. Brutish running game eats up a lot of clock and rests the defense.

HOUSTON TEXANS

2007 finish: 8-8 (4th)

Coach: Gary Kubiak

Top picks: 1 (18), 3 (79)

Needs: T, S, QB

Profile: They rearranged the secondary in free agency and now should fill left tackle in the draft. They have only five picks, one on the first day. At 30, is former Dolphins QB Sage Rosenfels going to be the starter?